My Town's Temple!

My friend Saya took me around the city because I wanted to see the temple that is located by the river.  I had driven past it a number of times, but had never actually gotten to go in it and see what it was all about, so I asked her if she would take me.  I can't remember the full name of the temple, its something like Wat Muang. 

The Temple! This is the temple (just thought I'd state the obvious.) People come here to pray (at the table in front, and then go inside to worship, and give thanks.  The big gong type thing that is to the right of the staircase is a gong.  You hit it three times for good luck. 

 Inside the temple there is this pillar.  It is a all gold, and there are religious symbols carved into it.  You can put a piece of gold foil onto it, for good luck.  The four pillars to the sides of the big middle one, face in each direction, and you wrap a piece of cloth around them, while praying for something that you want to happen.  I was able to do this, and I got to wish for four things. 

 Another gong that you get to hit for good luck.  There is another one that is located inside the temple (this on is also located within the temple) that you hit for good luck (three times!) but it wasn't as ornate as this one, so I didn't take its picture. 

A picture of me standing in front of the temple, on the day I went with Saya.  I'm in my wonderful school uniform, and as you can tell it's a little big for me. The reason that it is big on me is because they wanted to make sure that my butt and boobs weren't too noticable, so they made sure it was baggy and long.  Haha.  I don't really mind, except when it's hot, and I feel like I'm sweating to death. 

 This is the alter that is in front of the temple.  Under the umbrella there is a water jug (the brown basin) this is filled with holy water, and you can put some on your head for good luck.  The big steel table in the center of the picture is where you can place your offerings-flowers, food, things like that.  To the right of that there are the two silver columns-these are filled with oil and a candle where you can light your insencse.  The big black cauldren to the far right is were you place your inscense to burn when you are finished praying. 

 The temple at night.  This place is absolutely gorgeous at night, and the different parts are lit up in different colors depending on the day. It was Saturday the day the picture was taken, so as you can hopefully see, there are certain things being lit up in purple.  On other days it will be lit up with blue, green, red, or another color depending on the day.

A picture of me and my friend Emi from Japan.  This is another day, but I didn't feel like putting a whole post dedicated for one picture.  She came from Nakornsrithammarat to come visit me, and we took her to see the sights.  I liked the picture, so I posted it here for you :).